Catheter assembly with seal member

ABSTRACT

A catheter assembly includes a catheter hub defining an interior cavity and a catheter tube extending distally thereof. A rigid actuator is positioned to extend proximally in the interior cavity and support a seal member positioned thereon in the interior cavity. The seal member includes a central membrane, a distal portion, and a proximal portion. An hourglass shaped actuator cavity is formed in the distal portion and receives a barbed end of the actuator. The outer surface of the seal member is in partial circumferential engagement with the catheter hub to define an air path that allows fluid communication between areas of the interior cavity distal and proximal of the seal member. The seal member may be configured for multi-use and include a biasing member that moves the seal member to force the membrane back over the actuator to close the membrane.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of, claims priority to and thebenefit of U.S. Ser. No. 16/110,051 filed Aug. 23, 2018 and entitled“CATHETER ASSEMBLY WITH SEAL MEMBER.” The '051 application is acontinuation of, claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Ser. No.15/190,017 filed Jun. 22, 2016 and entitled “METHOD OF MAKING CATHETERASSEMBLY WITH SEAL MEMBER,” which issued as U.S. Pat. No. 10,080,867 onSep. 25, 2018. The '017 application is a continuation of, claimspriority to and the benefit of U.S. Ser. No. 14/169,892 filed Jan. 31,2014 and entitled “METHOD OF MAKING CATHETER ASSEMBLY WITH SEAL MEMBER,”which issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,399,116 on Jul. 26, 2016. The '892application is a divisional of, claims priority to and the benefit ofU.S. Ser. No. 13/023,213 filed Feb. 8, 2011 and entitled “CATHETERASSEMBLY WITH SEAL MEMBER,” which issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,652,104 onFeb. 18, 2014. The '104 patent is a continuation-in-part of, claimspriority to and the benefit of U.S. Ser. No. 12/823,656 filed Jun. 25,2010 and entitled “CATHETER ASSEMBLY WITH SEAL MEMBER,” which issued asU.S. Pat. No. 9,545,495 on Jan. 17, 2017. All of the aforementionedapplications are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to over-the-needle catheters such asperipheral intravascular catheters or PIVC's and, more particularly, toa catheter assembly used with such catheters having a seal disposed in ahub thereof for enhanced blood control.

BACKGROUND

By way of background, conventional PIVC's include a catheter assembly,typically having a catheter hub and a catheter tube extending distallythereof, and a needle assembly mounted together in an over-the-needlefashion. The needle assembly typically includes a needle hub or supportand a needle cannula extending distally thereof and, in a ready positionof the PIVC, extending through the catheter tube to expose a sharp tipthereof distal of the tube and used to penetrate tissue for insertion ofthe catheter tube within the vascular system of a patient. Once thecatheter tube is disposed within the vasculature, the needle cannula iswithdrawn proximally from the catheter assembly and the catheterassembly remains in fluid communication with the vasculature. The PIVCmay also include a protector to enclose at least the tip of the needlecannula, if not the entire cannula, after use. A PIVC with a protectormay be referred to as a safety catheter.

The catheter hub typically has an open proximal end adapted to receive amale luer taper into the interior cavity of the catheter to establish afluid connection between the patient's vasculature and the luer taper.The proximal end may also be provided with external ears or the like tosecure the luer taper in the catheter hub, such as when the luer taperis coupled with a male luer lock collar or nut to form part of a maleluer lock such as of a connector of an administration set or the end ofa syringe, or the like. Under normal conditions, after withdrawal of theneedle cannula and before a luer taper is inserted into the catheterhub, blood immediately starts flowing through the catheter tube and intothe interior cavity of the catheter hub. In typical catheter hubdesigns, the proximal end of the catheter hub is in open communicationwith the catheter tube through the interior cavity such that, if notattended to in a timely manner, blood can flow into the catheter hub andspill into the surrounding environment. To limit blood flow into thecatheter hub, medical personnel typically apply digital pressure nearthe insertion site to occlude blood flow into the catheter tube. Anadministration set or a syringe is then coupled to the catheter assemblyfor introducing fluids into, and/or withdrawing blood from, the patient.

Various designs of catheter assemblies have been proposed forcontrolling or limiting blood flow by inclusion of a hemostasis sealwithin the interior cavity or at the proximal end opening of thecatheter hub, to block fluid flow between the proximal end of thecatheter hub and the catheter tube. In these designs, the hemostasisseal provides for passage of the needle cannula therethrough in theready position of the PIVC, but seals against the flow of blood to orout of the proximal end of the catheter hub upon proximal withdrawal ofthe needle cannula. The hemostasis seal is adapted to be opened byinsertion of a luer taper into the catheter hub to allow flow of fluidbetween the luer taper and the catheter tube.

While various designs of catheter assemblies with hemostasis seals havebeen proposed, none seems to have garnered commercial acceptance. Thus,improvements are considered necessary in order to address drawbacks ofexisting proposals.

SUMMARY

The present invention provides catheter assemblies with improvedhemostasis seal arrangements which are aimed at addressing drawbacks ofpreviously proposed catheter assembly designs. To that end, and inaccordance with one feature of the present invention, a rigid actuatorextends proximally in the interior cavity from the catheter hub distalend to a free end having an enlarged proximal flange. The enlargedproximal flange may advantageously define a barb. In accordance with afurther feature of the present invention, a seal member is disposed inthe interior cavity of the catheter hub including a membrane and adistal portion extending distally from the membrane to a sealing outletbore with the distal portion having an actuator cavity formed betweenthe membrane and the sealing outlet bore so as to receive the free endof the actuator therein through the sealing outlet bore. The actuatorcavity may advantageously have a narrowed portion that defines anhourglass shape thereto such that with the actuator extending throughthe sealing outlet bore into the actuator cavity, a surface of theproximal flange engages against the narrowed portion of the actuatorcavity. The foregoing features provide a reliable seal between the sealmember and the actuator while also providing a reliable hold of the sealmember to the actuator.

The seal member advantageously includes a proximal portion, such as acylinder, extending proximally from the membrane to a proximal enddefining an impact surface against which a free or distal end of a maleluer taper impacts upon insertion into the catheter hub interior cavityto thereby cause the seal member to slide axially along the actuator.The membrane is eventually forced open as the free end of the actuatorpasses through the membrane, which may advantageously be slit tofacilitate the opening of the membrane. The seal member isadvantageously a unitary member.

In accordance with another feature of the present invention, theactuator for the catheter assembly may include an eyelet portion adaptedto help secure the catheter tube to the catheter hub, such that theactuator is an integral part of the eyelet. To that end, the actuatormay include a main shaft having a first cross dimension, an eyeletportion at one end thereof having an eyelet shaft of a second crossdimension, with the barb at an opposite end thereof having a third crossdimension. The third cross dimension is larger than the first and secondcross dimensions, with the second cross dimension being equal to orsmaller than the first cross dimension and advantageously being sized inrelation to the gauge of the needle cannula to be used therewith. Theactuator thus provides the dual functionality of securement of thecatheter tube to the catheter hub and opening of the seal member asdesired.

In accordance with a yet further feature of the present invention, wherethe needle cannula gauge is small, such as 16 or 18 gauge wherein theneedle cannula diameter is quite large, the cross dimension of theeyelet shaft may be nearly the same size or slightly smaller than thecross dimension of the actuator main shaft. The actuator isadvantageously provided with a surface feature in the form of a radiallyoutwardly extending annular rib to enhance securement of the actuator tothe catheter hub. The annular rib may be at the junction of the main andeyelet shafts. For larger gauge needle cannula, such as 20, 22, 24,and/or 26 gauges wherein the needle cannula diameter is relativelysmall, the eyelet shaft cross dimension may be substantially smallerthan the main shaft cross dimension. If desired, the actuator may beprovided with a surface feature to enhance securement of the actuator tothe catheter hub. The surface feature may be an annular rib, or may beone or more dimples or one or more axial or annular grooves in the mainshaft adjacent the eyelet shaft.

The seal member may be supported on the actuator with an outer surfaceof the seal member in partial circumferential engagement with thecatheter hub inner surface or wall such that an air path is maintainedbetween areas of the interior cavity both distal and proximal of theseal member. The seal member is thus held against undue sideways orsimilar movement or tilting, while allowing escape of air or other fluidto facilitate movement of the seal member sliding axially along theactuator. The air path or at least a portion thereof which serves tolimit the circumferential engagement to a partial circumferentialengagement, may advantageously be defined at least in part by an axialchannel or groove in the outer surface of the seal member, wherein theseal member is not in engagement with the inner wall of the catheter hubin the area of the groove. The aspects of the seal member proximal anddistal the area of the partial circumferential engagement may be sizedwith a cross dimension smaller than the cross dimension of theconfronting areas of the catheter hub so as to form annular gapstherebetween which may also define part of the air path.

The catheter assembly may be configured to be used with a needle cannulaand a nose that projects into the interior cavity of the catheter hub.The nose advantageously has a standard luer taper proximal portion toengage with the catheter hub inner wall adjacent the proximal opening ofthe catheter hub and a distal aspect sized smaller than the standardluer portion so as to project into the proximal cylindrical portion ofthe seal member with a distal end of the nose being adjacent themembrane of the seal member. The membrane may have a slit therethroughthat defines slit flaps. The distal end of the nose may advantageouslyinclude a recessed bore that overlies the slit in the membrane. The boreis configured to receive the slit flaps during withdrawal of the needlecannula from the catheter hub.

In a further aspect of the present invention, the seal member may bedisposed in the catheter hub such that the distal end of the seal membersupporting the sealing outlet bore is spaced a first distance from thedistal end of the catheter hub and the impact end of the seal member isspaced a second distance from the proximal end of the catheter hub, withthe seal member being axially shifted, such as by the male luer taperinserted into the catheter hub, a third distance to force the membraneover the free end of the actuator to open the seal member.Advantageously, the third distance is less than the first distance suchthat the seal member is not axially compressed after being axiallyshifted the third distance to open the seal membrane. In any event, theproximal portion of the seal member is such that it is not axiallycompressed after the sealing member has been moved to the opencondition. Further advantageously, the first and second distances areeach substantially larger than the axial thickness of the seal membermembrane.

The slit of the membrane, where provided, is advantageously a tri-slitso as to form a Y-shape when seen in plan view. In accordance with a yetfurther aspect of the present invention, a punch tool for forming atri-slit in the membrane of the seal member includes a three-sidedpyramid having a base at one end with three corners and a pointed tip atan opposed end, and a shaft extending from the base and having threestraight, sharpened edges and generally planar lands between respectivepairs of edges, with each of the edges being generally axially alignedwith a respective one of the three corners of the base. An associatedmethod includes inserting the seal member in a bore of a fixture,inserting the punch tool into the fixture to engage the membrane, andcontinuing to insert the punch tool into the fixture to push at least aportion of the pyramid of the punch tool through the membrane.

In still a further aspect of the present invention, the seal member maybe configured as a multi-use seal including a biasing member between thesealing outlet bore and the distal end of the catheter hub. In thisembodiment, the seal member is axially shiftable along the actuator in adistal direction to force the membrane over the free end of the actuatorand open the membrane. The biasing member is configured to axially shiftthe seal member along the actuator in a proximal direction to force themembrane back over the free end of the actuator and close the membrane.For example, when the male luer taper is removed from the catheter hub,the biasing member is then able to axially shift the seal member towardthe closed position. Thus, the biasing member allows the seal member tobe repeatedly opened and closed.

In one embodiment, the biasing member may include a tubular extensionmember capable of being compressed when the seal member is opened tothereby provide the return force that axially shifts the seal membertoward the closed position. Alternatively, the biasing member mayinclude one or more legs having a similar capability. In a furtheraspect in accordance with the invention, the biasing member may bepartially compressed when the membrane is closed to increase the returnforce acting on the seal member as the membrane is passed back over thefree end of the actuator. In another aspect, the biasing member mayinclude a flange configured to cooperate with an annular rib in thecatheter hub to secure or enhance securement of the seal member therein.By virtue of the foregoing, individually and in combination, there areprovided catheter assemblies with improved hemostasis seal arrangementswhich are aimed at addressing drawbacks of previously proposed catheterassembly designs. These and other objects and advantages of the presentinvention shall be made apparent from the accompanying drawings anddescription thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and,together with the general description given above and the detaileddescription of the embodiments given below, serve to explain theprinciples of the invention.

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a catheterassembly having an actuator and seal member in accordance with variousfeatures of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a partial, cross-sectional view of a PIVC including thecatheter assembly of FIG. 1 and being in a ready position for purposesof explaining various features of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the actuator of FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIGS. 3A-3C are partial, perspective views showing alternativeembodiments of the actuator of FIGS. 1 and 2 for purposes of explaininga yet further feature of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a partial, perspective view of an alternate embodiment of anactuator for the catheter assembly of FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional view taken along line 4A-4A of FIG. 4;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the seal member of FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the seal member shown in FIG. 5taken generally along line 6-6 of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the seal member shown in FIG. 5taken generally along line 7-7 of FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 is a view similar to FIG. 2, but showing the needle cannula beingwithdrawn proximally for explaining a feature of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a partial, cross-sectional view of the catheter assembly ofFIG. 1 as the seal member is being actuated to slide axially along theactuator by insertion of a male luer taper into the catheter hub;

FIG. 10 is a partial, cross-sectional view of the catheter assembly ofFIG. 1 after the seal member has been slid axially over the free end ofthe actuator to be fully opened by insertion of the male luer taper intothe catheter hub;

FIG. 11 is a view showing the seal member of FIG. 1 and a fixture incross section, and a punch tool for use therewith for forming a tri-slitin the membrane of the seal member;

FIG. 11A is a view of an alternative embodiment showing the seal memberof FIG. 1, and a fixture in cross section, and a spreader tool for usetherewith for forming the tri-slit in the membrane;

FIG. 11B is a view similar to FIG. 11A, but showing the spreader toolengaged with the seal member;

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the end of the punch tool shown inFIG. 11 taken generally along line 12-12 of FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a multi-use seal member in accordancewith a further feature of the present invention;

FIG. 14 is a partial, cross-sectional view of a catheter assembly havingthe multi-use seal member of FIG. 13 prior to being actuated byinsertion of a male luer taper into the catheter hub;

FIG. 15 is a partial, cross-sectional view of the catheter assembly ofFIG. 14 after the seal member has been slid axially over the free end ofthe actuator to be fully opened by insertion of the male luer taper intothe catheter hub thereby compressing a biasing member of the seal;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of an alternative multi-use seal member;

FIG. 17 is a partial, cross-sectional view of a catheter assemblysimilar to that shown in FIG. 14 having the biasing member partiallycompressed when the seal member is in the closed position;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of yet another multi-use seal member; and

FIG. 19 is a partial, cross-sectional view of a catheter assembly havingthe multi-use seal member of FIG. 18 prior to being actuated byinsertion of a male luer taper into the catheter hub.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In reference to FIG. 1, a catheter assembly 10 in accordance withvarious features of the present invention includes a catheter hub 12, acatheter tube 14 secured to and extending distally of the catheter hub12, an actuator 16 secured to the catheter hub 12 and extending axiallytherewithin, and a seal member 18 disposed in the catheter hub 12 andmovably supported on the actuator 16. The seal member 18 is axiallyshiftable relative to the actuator 16, such as by sliding axiallytherealong, between a closed or sealed position shown in FIG. 1 and anopened or actuated position (shown, for example, in FIG. 10). In theclosed position, the catheter hub 12 is substantially sealed off fromthe catheter tube 14 such that blood flow into the catheter hub 12 isrestricted. In the opened position, however, and as will be discussed inmore detail below, the seal member 18 is pushed over the actuator 16such that the catheter hub 12 and catheter tube 14 are in open fluidcommunication.

The catheter hub 12 includes a proximal end 20 with an unobstructedopening 21, a distal end 22, and an interior cavity 24 extendingtherebetween and defined by an inner surface or wall 25. The interiorcavity 24 includes a proximal portion 26 extending from adjacent theproximal end 20 to near the distal end 22, and a distal cavity 28adjacent distal end 22. The proximal portion 26 includes a first, uppersection 29 which is shaped according to luer taper standards so as tomatingly receive a luer taper 30 (FIGS. 9 and 10) therein, and a second,lower section 31 which has a relatively constant cross dimension (e.g.,diameter) that is generally greater than at least the smallest, taperedcross dimension of the first section 29 with a transition region 32being generally defined therebetween.

The catheter tube 14 includes a proximal end 34, a tapered distal end35, and an open passageway 36 extending therebetween. The proximal end34 of the catheter tube 14 is secured within the distal cavity 28 of thecatheter hub 12 using the actuator 16 so that the catheter tube 14extends distally of the catheter hub distal end 22. Thus, the actuator16 not only supports the seal member 18 and facilitates its opening, butthe actuator 16 also serves the function of securing the catheter tube14 to the catheter hub 12.

Catheter assembly 10 is advantageously utilized as part of a PIVC 38, aportion of which is shown in FIG. 2 in a ready position of the PIVC 38.To that end, a needle cannula 40 has a shaft 41 and extends distallyfrom a nose 42 to a sharp distal tip 43. The nose 42 extends into theupper section 29 of the interior cavity 24 of the catheter hub 12. Inthe ready position as shown in FIG. 2, the needle cannula 40 extendsthrough the seal member 18, through the actuator 16, and through thecatheter tube 14 so as to expose the sharp distal tip 43 beyond thedistal end 35 of the catheter tube 14. In the embodiment shown in FIG.2, the needle cannula 40 is axially slidable through the nose 42 suchthat the needle cannula 40 can be withdrawn proximally from the cathetertube 14 and the seal member 18 without necessarily proximallywithdrawing the nose 42 from the catheter hub 12 until the needlecannula 40 is to be completely removed from the catheter assembly 10.Nose 42 may extend from a cap or flange 44 of a protector, one exampleof which is the needle guard housing 45 (only a portion of which isshown, in phantom, in FIG. 2) of a ProtectIV® PIVC available from SmithsMedical ASD, Inc. Other types of protectors (not shown) may be used withPIVC 38 as will be readily understood by those skilled in the art. Asshown in FIG. 2, the flange 44 may abut the proximal end 20 of thecatheter hub 12. Additionally, flange 44 may include an annular distalextension (not shown) that comes down around the proximal end 20 of thecatheter hub 12 to facilitate securement of the PIVC 38 thereto, such asby interacting with the retaining ears 112 of catheter hub 12. Inanother embodiment (not shown), the nose and the needle cannula aresecured together so as to move as one such that proximal withdrawal ofthe needle cannula necessarily also withdraws the nose from the catheterhub 12. In that embodiment, the nose serves as a needle hub or supportfor the needle cannula as exemplified by the JELCO® PIVC also availablefrom Smiths Medical ASD, Inc. Other examples of needle cannula and nosecombinations are shown in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2007/0191775, thedisclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

With further reference to FIG. 3, actuator 16 is generally rigid andincludes a generally cylindrical main shaft 46 with an outer surface 47,a distal eyelet portion 48 at a distal end 49, and a proximal barb 50 atan opposite, proximal free end 51. An open passageway 52 extends betweenthe free end 51 and the eyelet portion 48 to receive the needle cannula40 therethrough, and for flow of fluid therethrough when the seal member18 is in the opened position. The distal eyelet portion 48 is similar toa conventional eyelet and, for large gauge needle cannula 40, such as20, 22, 24, and/or 26 gauge needle cannula 40, includes an eyelet shaft53 and a head 54 that merges into the main shaft 46 at an intersection55. The eyelet shaft 53 has a cross dimension that is substantiallysmaller than a cross dimension of the main shaft 46 so as to be closelysized to the diameter of the needle cannula 40. The barb 50 at theproximal free end 51 may be characterized by having a maximum crossdimension generally greater than the cross dimension of the main shaft46 (and thus also of the eyelet shaft 53) and may include an enlargedflange 56 that essentially folds back over a portion of the main shaft46 and diverges in a distal direction to define a frustoconical outersurface 57 that is radially outward of the main shaft 46.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the distal eyelet portion 48 of actuator 16 isfrictionally fit within the catheter hub distal end 22, such as indistal cavity 28, to secure the catheter tube 14 to the catheter hub 12.Unlike a conventional eyelet, however, the main shaft 46 of actuator 16extends proximally from the catheter hub distal end 22 such that adistal portion 60 thereof frictionally engages with a portion 62 of thedistal cavity 28 as at 63 to assist in securing the actuator 16 to thecatheter hub 12, and further such that the proximal free end 51 isspaced from the distal end 22 but remains disposed within the interiorcavity 24 of catheter hub 12. More particularly, the main shaft 46 ofthe actuator 16 extends out of the distal cavity 28 and into theproximal portion 26 of the interior cavity 24, but the proximal free end51 of the actuator 16 does not extend to the proximal end 20 of thecatheter hub 12 and instead terminates distally thereof. In theembodiment shown, for example, the proximal free end 51 terminateswithin the second section 31 of the interior cavity 24. Additionally,the radial cross dimension of the actuator 16, including, for example,the barb 50 thereof, is smaller than the cross dimension of the secondsection 31 of the interior cavity 24 proximal of distal cavity 28 so asto generally define an annular space 64 between the inner wall 25 of thecatheter hub 12 and the actuator 16. As will be discussed in more detailbelow, the annular space 64 is configured to receive the seal member 18as it is moved toward the opened position.

To enhance securement of the actuator 16 to the catheter hub distal end22, the actuator 16 may include a surface feature formed thereon such asone or more dimples 65 a in the outer surface 47 in the distal portion60 of the main shaft 46 spaced near eyelet portion head 54 (FIG. 3A),one or more axial scribe lines or grooves 65 b in the outer surface 47extending along the distal portion 60 of the main shaft 46, and possiblyinto the eyelet portion 54 (FIG. 3B), or one or more annular grooves 65c in the outer surface 47 and along the distal portion 60 of the mainshaft 46 (FIG. 3C). The surface feature is configured to interact withthe catheter hub portion 62 as at 63 to increase frictional engagementtherebetween.

The actuator 16 as shown in FIG. 3 is advantageously configured forsmall diameter needle cannula 40, such as gauges 20 through 26. Wherethe diameter of the needle cannula 40 is large, such as gauges 16 or 18,an alternative embodiment of actuator 16 a may be provided as shown inFIG. 4 (where like numbers represent like features as in actuator 16).To that end, the eyelet shaft 53 a of the eyelet portion 48 a will havea cross dimension that is possibly the same as (such as for a 16 gaugeneedle cannula 40) or only slightly smaller than (for a 18 gauge needlecannula 40) the cross dimension of the main shaft 46. In thatcircumstance, securement of the actuator 16 a may be enhanced byproviding a surface feature to the actuator 16 a in the form of aradially outwardly extending annular rib 65 d which may provide a crossdimension about 12% larger than the cross dimension of the main shaft46. Advantageously, rib 65 d is in the form of a sawtooth in crosssection (FIG. 4A), but it could also be more rounded. Annular rib 65 dis advantageously located on the distal portion 60 of the main shaft 46,and may overlap into the intersection 55 a thereof with the eyeletportion 48 a. Where actuator 16 a is used, the area of catheter hub 12at 62 may be provided with a radially outwardly extending notch (notshown) sized with a cross dimension which may be smaller than that ofthe annular rib 65 d so as to form a tight fit therebetween.Alternatively, the notch may be sized with a cross dimension slightlylarger than that of the annular rib 65 d such that the rib 65 d may bepositioned within the notch more easily, but yet still effectivelysecure the actuator 16 a to the catheter hub 12.

The actuators 16, 16 a may be formed from suitable materials includingvarious metals and plastics and may be formed as a unitary or monolithicmember. In alternative embodiments, however, the actuators 16, 16 a maybe formed from separate members which are subsequently coupled, such asthrough a welding or bonding process, to form the actuator. In anexemplary embodiment, the actuators 16, 16 a may be formed from medicalgrade stainless steels (e.g., 410 stainless steel, 17-7 stainless steel,etc.) through processes generally known in the art.

As seen in FIG. 1, the seal member 18 is disposed within the interiorcavity 24 of the catheter hub 12 and is supported therein at least inpart by the actuator 16. The seal member 18 may also be supported inpart by the inner wall 25 of catheter hub 12, as will be explainedbelow. With further reference to FIGS. 5 through 7, the seal member 18includes a generally cylindrical body 70 with an outer surface 71 and acentral membrane 72, a distal portion 74 extending distally from themembrane 72 and terminating in a distal end 75, and a proximal portion76 extending proximally from the membrane 72 and terminating in aproximal or impact end 77. The membrane 72 extends substantiallyperpendicularly relative to a central axis 78 and along a planecentrally located between proximal and distal ends 77, 75 of the sealmember 18. In one embodiment, the membrane 72 has a generally constantaxial thickness having generally planar upper and lower surfaces 79, 80,respectively, and includes a normally-closed slit 82 that extendscompletely through the axial thickness of the membrane 72. In analternative embodiment, the upper and lower surfaces 79, 80 of membrane72 may not be planar, but may have other configurations including, forexample, concave or convex configurations.

The slit 82 may take several forms recognized in the art and could, forexample, be a single straight slit (not shown) through the membrane 72.Advantageously, and in the embodiment shown herein, the slit 82 has atri-slit configuration that extends to three radially outermost ends 83to present a Y-shape when viewed in plan view as shown in FIG. 7. Theslit 82 defines a plurality of membrane flaps 84, the number of whichdepends on the particular configuration of the slit 82 (e.g., threeflaps 84 for a tri-slit configuration). Additionally, the length of theslit 82 (e.g., its radial extent) is preferably less than a crossdimension (e.g., diameter) of the membrane 72 such that the radiallyoutermost ends 83 of the slit 82 are spaced from, and the slit 82 doesnot penetrate into, the inner surface 85 of the cylindrical body 70 ofthe seal member 18. In the ready position of the PIVC 38, the slit 82 inthe membrane 72 and the needle shaft 41 may cooperate so as to form asubstantially fluid tight seal about the needle shaft 41 when it extendsthrough the membrane 72 (FIG. 2). However, the slit 82 and needle shaft41 may not be fluid tight, but advantageously may still provide asignificant restriction to blood flow through the membrane 72 when theneedle shaft 41 extends therethrough, such that, for example, only a deminimus amount of blood may seep through the slit 82 of the membrane 72during insertion of the catheter tube 14 into the vasculature of apatient (not shown).

The distal portion 74 of the seal member 18 includes a sealing outletbore 86 defined by an annular sealing lip 87 extending proximally inwardfrom the distal end 75, and an actuator cavity 88 between the sealingoutlet bore 86 and the lower surface 80 of the membrane 72. The free end51 of the actuator 16 is receivable through the sealing outlet bore 86and into the actuator cavity 88 with the barb 50 contained in theactuator cavity 88 (FIG. 1). The actuator cavity 88 advantageouslyincludes a narrowed portion 89 that provides the actuator cavity 88 withan hourglass shape (FIG. 6). For example, the narrowed portion 89 may beprovided by an annular rib 90 projecting generally radially inward fromthe portion 93 of the inner wall 85 that defines the actuator cavity 88.In the closed position of the seal member 18 as shown in FIG. 1,frustoconical surface 57 of the actuator 16 engages with annular rib 90.

The proximal portion 76 of the seal member 18 is advantageouslycylindrical and includes a generally cylindrical bore 92 extendingbetween the membrane 72 and an opening 94 at the proximal end 77. Thebore 92 may have a generally constant cross dimension along the lengththereof. The opening 94 into, and advantageously the cylindrical bore92, are configured such that neither the standard luer dimensioned nose,nor a standard dimensioned luer taper 30 (FIG. 9), can pass into thebore 92 but instead will, at most, impact against end 77. To that end,and as seen in FIG. 2, the nose 42 to be used with the catheter assembly10 shown herein has a proximal aspect 42 a defining a standard luertaper cross dimension so as to engage with wall 25 adjacent proximal end20 of the catheter hub, and a reduced cross dimension distal aspect 95with a uniform cross dimension along its length and sized to pass intothe bore 92. However, the length of distal aspect 95 is selected so thatthe distal end 96 thereof does not unduly press against upper surface 79of the membrane 72 in the ready position so as to avoid deformation ofthe membrane 72 which might adversely affect any seal between the slit82 and the shaft 41 of the needle cannula 40. A recessed bore 97 may beformed in the distal end 96 for purposes to be described.

The normal length of a nose that would extend into the luer taperedproximal section 26 of the catheter hub 12 is expected to provide areasonably reliably frictional engagement therebetween such that thenose does not fall out of the catheter hub 12, but can be easily removedtherefrom with a slight force by the clinician (not shown). Due to thereduced cross dimension distal aspect 95, there is not as muchengagement between the nose proximal aspect 42 a and the inner wall 25of the catheter hub 12. To avoid an unduly loose fit that mightotherwise obtain, the distal aspect 95 may advantageously be sized tofrictionally engage within the bore 92. Alternatively or additionally, aradially inwardly directed rib or projection(s) (not shown) may beformed on portion 98 of the inner wall 85 of the bore 92 to moresecurely engage with the distal aspect 95 of the nose 42.

The membrane 72 that closes the seal member 18 is located intermediatethe proximal and distal ends 77, 75 of the seal member 18 (i.e., not atone of its ends). In this regard, the seal member 18 may becharacterized by the membrane 72 having an axial thickness t that issubstantially less than each of the axial length l_(p) of the proximalportion 76 and the axial length l_(d) of the distal portion 74. By wayof example and without limitation, the axial lengths l_(p) and l_(d) mayrange between 7 to 15 times thickness t. In an exemplary embodiment, thethickness t of the membrane 72 may be about 0.015 to about 0.020 inches,while the lengths l_(p) and l_(d) may be approximately 0.235 inches andabout 0.155 to about 0.16 inches, respectively.

As shown in FIG. 1, in the closed position of the seal member 18, theactuator 16 extends through the sealing outlet bore 86 such that thebarb 50 is disposed within the actuator cavity 88. More particularly,the sealing lip 87 of the sealing outlet bore 86 is in sealingengagement with the outer surface 47 of the actuator main shaft 46 so asto substantially seal the actuator cavity 88 from below. The main shaft46 of the actuator 16 is advantageously sized in cross dimension toreceive the largest diameter needle cannula that might be employed withcatheter assembly 10, with the eyelet portion 48 or 48 a thereof sizedto conform more closely to the specific needle cannula 40. As aconsequence, the sealing outlet bore 86 can be a common size across thespectrum of needle cannula such that the same seal member 18 can be usedacross the range of expected needle cannula gauges, rather thannecessarily requiring a different seal member 18 for each gauge, or agroup of gauges.

Additionally, the barb 50 is completely contained in the actuator cavity88 and may be in engagement with the narrowed portion 89 as explainedearlier. The barb 50 has an outermost cross dimension larger than across dimension of the sealing outlet bore 86 and is configured to allowthe sealing outlet bore 86 to be slid distally over the barb 50, butrestricts proximal movement of the seal member 18 back over the barb 50.

In the closed position, the seal member 18 is completely disposed withinthe interior cavity 24 of the catheter hub 12 so as to be spaced fromboth the proximal and distal ends 20, 22 thereof. To that end, theproximal end 77 of the seal member 18 is spaced from the opening 21 atthe proximal end 20 of the catheter hub 12 by a distance d_(p) so as todefine a space P1 proximal of the seal member 18, and the distal end 75of the seal member 18 is spaced from the distal cavity 28 of thecatheter hub 12 by a distance d_(d) so as to define a space D1 distal ofthe seal member 18. In an exemplary embodiment, d_(p) may be about 0.045inches and d_(d) may be between about 0.085 and about 0.17 inches.Additionally, the membrane 72 is positioned proximally of the free end51 of the actuator 16 such that the normally-closed slit 82 formedtherein substantially seals the actuator cavity 88 from above.Accordingly, and as will be explained in more detail below, should bloodflow into actuator cavity 88 of the seal member 18 during insertion ofthe catheter assembly 10, for example, the actuator cavity 88 issubstantially fluidly isolated (e.g., sealed) from below by the sealinglip 87/actuator wall 47 engagement and above by the normally-closed slit82 of the membrane 72 such that substantially no blood can flowtherebeyond and into the interior cavity 24 of the catheter hub 12.

In some previously proposed designs, an elongated member extends intothe catheter hub and the seal is pushed thereagainst to open same. Butthe seal in those proposed designs has typically either been freelyfloating on the elongated member so as to be spaced along its entirecircumference from the catheter hub wall, or the seal is in fullcircumferential engagement with the wall of the catheter hub. Eachapproach is considered to present disadvantages. Free floating seals maylack sufficient support within the catheter hub and may be subject toundue sideways or similar movement or tilting. Seals that are in fullcircumferential engagement with the catheter hub wall may suffer fromrelatively large friction forces at the seal/catheter hub wallinterface, and may therefore require a relatively large force to movethe seal to the opened position during actuation. These types of sealsmay have other shortcomings as well. For example, due to the fullcircumferential engagement, pressure build ups are possible when theseal is actuated because air, for example, cannot escape the spacedistally of the seal as it is being moved axially within the catheterhub into that space. Such pressure build ups are undesirable and mayrequire unduly large actuation forces to operate.

In accordance with another feature of the present invention, seal member18 is supported by both the actuator 16 and the catheter hub 12, but inthe closed position, the outer surface 71 is only in partialcircumferential engagement with the inner wall 25 of the catheter hub 12along an outer contacting region 100 thereof (FIG. 1) so as to maintainat least one air path 102 (as exemplified by arrows 102 in FIG. 1)between the spaces P1 and D1 proximal and distal, respectively, of theseal member 18. Advantageously, two such air paths 102 are provided. Tothat end, at least along the contacting region 100 of the seal member18, the outer surface 71 of the seal member 18 may include at least oneaxially-directed channel or groove 104 extending inwardly from the outersurface 71 and which defines a portion, if not the entirety, of the airpath 102 therealong. Where two or more axial grooves 104 are provided,each defines a portion, or the entirety, of a respective air path 102.Advantageously, only a short axial portion of the outer surface 71 isengaged in contacting region 100, such that the areas proximal anddistal thereof are spaced away from the inner wall 25 of the interiorcavity 24 as at 105 and 106 as illustrated for example in FIG. 1. Theareas 105 and 106 also define a portion of the air path(s) 102, and havethe further advantage of reducing friction between the seal member 18and the catheter hub 12 so that the seal member 18 is more readilyslidable within the catheter hub 12 to open same as will be describedbelow. Provision of the air path(s) 102 allows the outer surface 71 ofthe seal member 18 to be in circumferential engagement with the innerwall 25 of the catheter hub 18 in the engagement area 100, except in thearea of the axial groove(s) 104 so as to define a partialcircumferential engagement. As a consequence, the seal member 18 is heldin a stable position on the actuator 16, but also facilitates fluidcommunication between areas P1 and D1 of the interior cavity 24 proximaland distal of the seal member 18 so as to prevent excessive pressurebuild up during actuation of the seal member 18 and to reduce thesurface area contact between the seal member 18 and the inner wall 25 ofthe catheter hub 12 thereat to thus minimize frictional forces imposedon the seal member 18 during actuation.

The distal area 106 may be achieved by reducing the outer crossdimension of the seal member 18 along the distal portion 74 thereofand/or increasing the cross dimension of the second section 31 of theinterior cavity 24 adjacent the distal portion 74 of the seal member 18.Similarly, the proximal area 105 may be achieved by reducing the outercross dimension of the seal member 18 along the proximal portion 76thereof and/or increasing the cross dimension of the first section 29 ofthe interior cavity 24 of the sealing member adjacent the proximalportion 76 of the sealing member 18. For example, the proximal area 105may be a result of the luer tapering of the first section 29 of theproximal portion 26 of the interior cavity 24 while maintaining theouter cross dimension of the proximal portion 76 of the seal member 18relatively constant, as shown in FIG. 1.

The contacting region 100 between the seal member 18 and catheter hub 12may occur along the membrane 72 and the distal-most portion of theproximal portion 76 of the sealing member 18. Notably, however, theaxial groove(s) 104 extend at least from a location distal of thecontacting region 100 to a location proximal of the contacting region100. Accordingly, depending on the particular size of the contactingregion 100, the axial groove(s) 104 may extend the full length of theseal member 18 or for only a portion thereof (so long as they extendaxially sufficiently to define any portion of the associated air path102 through the engagement area 100, whether they extend therebeyond isnot controlling, but may be advantageous). In one embodiment, each axialgroove 104 is open to the distal end 75 of the seal member 18, but stopsshort of extending to the proximal end 77 thereof (FIG. 6). Moreover,the depth of the axial groove(s) 104 is such as to not penetrate throughthe inner surface 85 of the seal member 18 in either the sealing outletbore 86 or the actuator cavity 88, as well as, advantageously, in bore92.

With further regard to FIG. 2, the cap 44 is sized such that it does notfit within the proximal opening 20 of the catheter hub 12. Instead, thecap 44 may abut a proximal end face 110 of the catheter hub 12 when thePIVC 38 is in the ready position. The cap 44 may also include acontinuous or segmented collar or rim (not shown) adapted to fit over,and possibly releaseably engage, external luer lock receiving ears 112of the catheter hub 12 defined adjacent end face 110. A step (not shown)may be defined at a distal aspect of the receiving ears 112 that mayfacilitate assembly of the catheter assembly 10. Advantageously, in theready position, the cap 44 is against end face 110 and the nose 42extends into the interior cavity 24 with proximal aspect 42 a thereoffitting snugly against the inner wall 25 of the catheter hub 12. Thedistal segment 95 is sized so as to fit within the bore 92 such that thedistal end 96 is adjacent or engaging the upper surface 79 of membrane72. In the event the distal end 96 contacts the membrane 72, it does notpenetrate through the slit 82 thereof. Additionally, the bore 97 at thedistal end 96 is positioned so as to overlie the slit 82 in the membrane72.

In use, and from the ready position as illustrated in FIG. 2, the sharptip 43 of PIVC 38 is inserted into the artery or vein of the patient(not shown) in the conventional manner. The needle shaft 41 may includea slot 114 therethrough adjacent the sharp tip 43 to provide bloodflashback. The use of the slot 114 in the needle cannula 40 may bepartially advantageous for large gauge needle cannula 40 (i.e., smallerdiameter needle cannula 40). In addition to, or in lieu of, the cannulaslot 114, the needle cannula 40 may couple to a flash chamber (notshown) adjacent the proximal end (not shown) of the needle cannula 40for blood flashback as is conventional.

After insertion of the catheter tube 14 into the patient, the needlecannula 40 is withdrawn proximally from the catheter tube 14 and thecatheter hub 12 while leaving the catheter assembly 10 in fluidcommunication with the vasculature of the patient. As the needle cannula40 is being withdrawn, the drag force imposed on the seal member 18(e.g., on the slit 82 of the membrane 72) due to the proximal movementof the needle cannula 40 is insufficient to overcome the forcesretaining the seal member 18 in the catheter hub 12. Accordingly, theseal member 18 remains positioned within the catheter hub 12 duringproximal withdrawal of the needle cannula 40. More particularly, theforce imposed by the sealing lip 87 on the actuator 16 (which is fixedlysecured to the catheter hub 12 as previously described), the frictionforce of the seal member 18 engaging the inner wall 25 of the catheterhub 12 along contacting region 100, as well as any friction forcesgenerated between the barb 50 and the inner wall 85 of the actuatorcavity 88 may individually or collectively resist proximal movement ofthe seal member 18 relative to the catheter hub 12 upon withdrawing theneedle cannula 40. Even if there should be some initial proximalmovement of the seal member 18 relative to the catheter hub 12, the barb50 of actuator 16 is larger than the sealing outlet bore 86 of sealmember 18 such that any initial axial movement of the seal member 18would be arrested.

Furthermore, during proximal withdrawal of the needle cannula 40, thedrag force acting on the slit 82 of the membrane 72 may cause one ormore of the flaps 84 formed by the slit 82 to slightly flex or distendupwardly (i.e., proximally). More particularly, the slot 114 may engagewith one of the flaps 84 as it passes proximally through the slit 82 toflex or distend the flap 84. The nose 42 remains within the catheter hub12 during such withdrawal, such that the upward flexing of the flaps 84is into the recessed bore 97 as shown in FIG. 8, rather than against thedistal end 96 of the nose 42, thereby reducing the risk of damage to theflaps 84 and the negative affect that might have on the sealingcapability of the slit 82. Where the nose 42 and the needle cannula 40are secured such that the nose 42 moves with proximal movement of theneedle cannula 40, the recessed bore 97 may be omitted.

In addition to the above, the drag force on the seal member 18 generatedby withdrawing the nose 42 from the catheter hub 12 is also insufficientto overcome the forces retaining the seal member 18 in the catheter hub12. Thus, for example, the slip fit between the reduced cross sectiondistal aspect 95 of the nose 42 and the bore 92 of the seal memberproximal portion 76 is not so tight as to cause the seal member 18 to bepulled out of the catheter hub 12 during proximal withdrawal of the nose42 from the catheter hub 12. Similar to above, even if there should besome initial proximal movement of the seal member 18 relative to thecatheter hub 12, the barb 50 of the actuator 16 is larger than thesealing outlet bore 86 of the seal member 18 such that any initialproximal movement of the seal member 18 would be arrested.

After the needle cannula 40 has been withdrawn and the nose 42 separatedfrom the catheter assembly 10, the seal member 18 within the catheterhub 12 is in the closed or sealed position to prevent blood from thepatient from flowing into the interior cavity 24 of the catheter hub 12(FIG. 1). More particularly, during and after insertion of the cathetertube 14 into the patient's vasculature (e.g., during proximal withdrawalof the needle cannula 40, or after the needle cannula 40, and possiblythe nose 42, have been proximally withdrawn from the catheter hub 12),blood from the patient may flow up through the catheter tube 14, throughthe actuator 16, and into the actuator cavity 88 of the seal member 18,in which the proximal free end 51 of the actuator 16 is disposed. Inother words, an unobstructed fluid flow path exists between the distalend 35 of the catheter tube 14 and the proximal free end 51 of theactuator 16 such that blood may flow therebetween. Advantageously,however, blood that flows into the actuator cavity 88 is substantiallyprevented from flowing out of the cavity 88 such that hemostasis isachieved or maintained.

To this end, the sealing lip 87 of the outlet bore 86 forms asubstantially fluid tight seal with the outer surface 47 of the actuatormain shaft 46 to prevent any blood flow out of actuator cavity 88 alongthis interface (e.g., the actuator cavity 88 is effectively sealed frombelow). Additionally, after the needle cannula 40 has been removed fromthe membrane 72, the slit 82 closes due to the resiliency of thematerial that forms the membrane 72 (i.e., the slit 82 is normallyclosed). The closing of the slit 82 substantially prevents blood flowout of the actuator cavity 88 through the membrane 72. Advantageously,the slit 82 is sufficiently closed so that essentially no blood seepsthrough the slit 82 and past the membrane 72 under the pressuresnormally observed during use.

As noted above, even if there should be some seepage through the slit 82of the membrane 72, the amount of blood would be de minimus andhemostasis during and after insertion of the catheter tube 14 (but priorto actuation of seal member 18) would still be sufficiently maintained.Accordingly, should blood flow into actuator cavity 88 of the sealmember 18, the cavity 88 is substantially fluidly isolated (e.g.,sealed) from below by the sealing lip 87/actuator surface 47 engagementand above by the closed slit 82 of the membrane 72 such thatsubstantially no blood can flow therebeyond. This allows medicalpersonnel to address other pressing issues without worry that blood isgoing to flow out of the catheter hub 12 in the interim.

The seal member 18 is configured to not only provide blood controlduring use, but the seal member 18 is further configured to be actuatedso as to open a fluid flow path from the catheter tube 14.Advantageously, and as illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10, the seal member 18may be configured such that it is axially shiftable so as to slideaxially along the main shaft 46 of the actuator 16, to the openedposition. That shifting is accomplished by insertion of a male luertaper 30 into and through the proximal end 20 of the catheter hub 12such that the free or distal end 120 thereof impacts surface proximalend 77 of the seal member 18 and pushes the seal member 18 distally withenough force to overcome the friction forces holding the seal member 18in place. To that end, the luer taper 30 may be associated with a luerlock collar or nut 122 adapted to threadably engage catheter hub ears112 so as to impel the luer taper 30 against proximal end 77. Thatcauses the luer taper 30 to push thereagainst over a travel distancewhich axially shifts the seal member 18 driving the membrane 72 over theactuator barb 50 and distending the flaps 84 placing the seal member inthe opened condition. The catheter assembly 10 is configured such thatthe entire seal member 18 axially shifts distally within the catheterhub 12.

As the seal member 18 axially shifts within the catheter hub 12, theproximal free end 51 of the actuator 16 contacts the lower surface 80 ofthe membrane 72 and starts penetrating through the slit 82 causing theflaps 84 formed by the slit 82 to hinge or distend upwardly and slidealong the barb 50, such as along the frustoconical surface 57 thereof,so as to gradually open the slit 82. Continued distal insertion of theluer taper 30 causes the seal member 18 to shift axially until the luertaper 30 is fully extended into the interior cavity 24 with the distalend 75 of the seal member 18 moved toward, or against, distal cavity 28to thus define the open position of the seal member 18 as shown in FIG.10. In one embodiment, the membrane 72 is sufficiently resilient suchthat the barb 50 may penetrate the slit 82 without ripping or otherwisedestroying the membrane 72. The slit 82 may then close back down aroundthe actuator main shaft 46 after the barb 50 passes therethrough. In analternative embodiment, the membrane 72 may be deformed, or may beripped or otherwise destroyed, as the barb 50 penetrates through theslit 82. This is illustrated, for example, by the broken appearance ofthe membrane 72 in FIG. 10.

In the opened position of the seal member 18, an unobstructed fluid pathis established between the catheter tube 14 and the luer taper 30 viathe actuator 16 such as for administration of fluids to, or withdrawalof blood from, the patient with the catheter assembly 10.Advantageously, the seal member 18 and the catheter hub 12 are sizedsuch that in the opened position, the seal member 18 is not under axialcompression, i.e., the seal member 18 is not being axially squeezedbetween the luer taper 30 and the distal end 22 of the catheter hub 12.In this regard, the travel distance d_(t) of the seal member 18 betweenthe closed and opened position is configured to be less than thedistance d_(d) between the distal end 75 of the seal member 18 and thedistal cavity 28 of the catheter hub 12. In an exemplary embodimentwhere d_(d) is about 0.17 inches, the travel distance d_(t) may beapproximately 0.163 inches. The invention, however, is not so limited asin an alternative embodiment, there may be some axial compression on theseal member 18 when in the opened position.

In the embodiment shown and described herein, the seal member 18 is aone-time use seal. In this regard, after removal of the luer taper 30from the catheter hub 12, the seal member 18 will not move backproximally to the closed position, but will instead remain in the openedposition. More particularly, the barb 50, while configured to permitmovement of the seal member 18 in the distal direction, discouragesmovement of the seal member 18 in the opposite, proximal direction.Thus, the membrane 72 in the embodiment shown does not automaticallymove back over the barb 50 to close off the fluid flow path establishedwith the catheter tube 14 which instead now provides an unobstructedfluid flow path between the catheter tube 14 and interior cavity 24and/or the open proximal end 20 of the catheter hub 12. In anotherembodiment, however, the catheter assembly could be provided with amechanism, such as a spring, elastic, or bellows, to provide a drivingforce axially shifting the seal member 18 back in the proximal directionto reclose the seal member 18. Exemplary embodiments of such a multi-useseal are discussed in more detail below. However, in the embodimentshown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 5-10, the seal member 18 is a one-time use sealfor providing hemostasis and once it is opened, it is not intended to bere-closed.

The seal member 18 may be generally flexible and be formed from suitablematerials including, for example, silicone or polyisoprene. In oneembodiment, the seal member 18 may be formed as a unitary or monolithicmember through various molding processes including, for example,injection molding processes generally known in the art. The slit 82 isgenerally not molded into membrane 72, but is instead formed in apost-molding process. In this regard, and as illustrated in FIGS. 11 and12, a punch or slit tool 160 may be used to form the tri-slit 82 in themembrane 72. Conventional tools for creating a tri-slit (not shown)generally include a flat-headed punch having a shape corresponding tothe shape of the tri-slit. Such tools, however, when used on resilientmaterials often stretch the material during the punching operation suchthat sufficient support must be provided directly beneath the materialbeing slit to prevent tearing or causing other damage.

To overcome such a drawback, the slit tool 160 includes a distal end 161formed by a three-sided pyramid 162 having a base 164 with three corners165 at one end 166 thereof, and terminating in a pointed tip 168 at theother end 169 thereof so as to define three diverging surfaces 170 ofthe pyramid 162. The tool 160 further includes a shaft 172 havinggenerally straight, sharpened edges 173 with generally planar lands 174therebetween. The pyramid 162 is coupled to the shaft 172 such that theedges 173 generally axially align with the respective corners 165 of thebase 164. As shown in FIG. 12, to form the tri-slit 82, the molded sealmember 18 may be placed in a fixture 180 having a bore 182 sized toreceive the seal member 18 therein. The bore 182 includes a bottom wall184 configured to engage the distal end 75 of the seal member 18 withinthe fixture 180. The tool 160 is inserted through the proximal opening94 of the bore 92 in the seal member 18 so as to engage the pointed tip168 against the upper surface 79 of the membrane 72. Insertion of thetool 160 is continued such that the pointed tip 168 and the divergingsurfaces 170 ease, at least partially, through the seal member 18 so asto gradually increase the length of the slit 82 until the desiredtri-slit configuration is achieved.

It should be realized that in an alternative embodiment, as shown inFIGS. 11A and 11B, the seal member 18 may be inverted within fixture 180such that the proximal end 77 of the seal member 18 engages the bottomwall 184 and the tool 160 is inserted through the sealing outlet bore 86and actuator cavity 88 so as to engage against the lower surface 80 ofthe membrane 72. When forming the slit 82 with the seal member 18 inthis orientation, a spreader tool 186 may be provided for increasing thesize of the sealing outlet bore 86 so as to allow passage of the slittool 160 therethrough without contacting or otherwise damaging the sealmember 18. In this regard, the spreader tool 186 includes an annularflange 188 and three tabs 190 extending distally therefrom and arrangedin a generally triangular configuration that generally corresponds tothe three sides of the pyramid 162 and shaft 172 of slit tool 186. Anouter surface 192 of the tabs 190 is contoured to define a thin-walledportion 194 at the distal tip of the tabs 190 and a thick-walled portion196 proximal of the thin-walled portion 194 and into which thethin-walled portion 194 smoothly transitions (e.g., a taper). The tabs190 are dimensioned such that the thin-walled portion 104 of the tabs190 fit within the confines of the sealing outlet bore 86. However, asshown in FIG. 11B, as the spreader tool 186 is moved toward the fixture180, the contoured shape of the outer surface 192 of the tabs 190 causesthe sealing outlet bore 86 to stretch outwardly about the triangularconfiguration of the tabs 190 thereby increasing the size of the sealingoutlet bore 86. The fixture 180 may include an annular cutout 198 toaccommodate the outward spreading of the seal member 18 as the spreadertool 186 is inserted therein. The distal movement of the spreader tool186 toward the fixture 180 may be stopped by engagement of the flange188 with the proximal end 199 of the fixture 180. With the spreader tool186 inserted so as to increase the size of the sealing outlet bore 86,the slit tool 160 may pass through the spreader tool 186 and sealingoutlet bore 86 so as to form the slit 82 in membrane 72 withoutcontacting or otherwise damaging the seal member 18.

It should be realized that in either orientation of the seal member 18within fixture 180, the membrane 72 need not be directly supported,although a support (not shown) may be provided beneath the membrane 72if desired. The configuration of the tool 160 provides for a clean slit82 and reduces the likelihood of damaging the seal member 18 during theslit-forming process.

The catheter assembly 10 may be assembled as follows. The actuator 16may be inserted through the proximal opening 21 of the catheter hub 12such that the distal eyelet portion 48 or 48 a captures the proximal end34 of the catheter tube 14 within the distal cavity 28 of the catheterhub 12. Alternatively, the proximal end 34 of the catheter tube 16 maybe coupled to eyelet portion 48, 48 a of the actuator 16, 16 a and thatsubassembly inserted through the proximal opening 21 of the catheter hub12 so as to capture the proximal end 34 of the catheter tube 16 withinthe distal cavity 28. In either embodiment, the actuator 16, 16 a willbe situated to project proximally from the distal end 22 of the catheterhub 12 within the interior cavity 24. The seal member 18, which may beformed by the method described above, is threaded onto the needlecannula 40. In one embodiment, the sharp tip 43 thereof may simply beinserted through the slit 82 in membrane 72 and the seal member 18threaded onto the needle shaft 41. In an alternative embodiment, theneedle cannula 40 may be extended through the membrane 72 in a mannerthat reduces potential damage to the membrane 72. To this end, a smalltube (not shown) may first be inserted through the slit 82. The smalltube is configured to be generally smooth (e.g., devoid of any sharpedges, burrs, etc.) and relatively soft and may be formed of a suitableplastic material. After positioning the tube through the slit 82, theneedle cannula 40 may then be inserted through the tube such that thesharp tip 43 cannot directly engage the membrane 72 as the needlecannula 40 is extended through the slit 82. Thereafter, the tube ispulled out of the slit 82 and over the needle cannula 40, such as overthe sharp tip 43 thereof, allowing the slit 82 and needle shaft 41 toengage. In this way, the tube acts as a barrier between the membrane 72and the needle cannula 40 during inserting of the needle cannula 40through the slit 82 so as to avoid or reduce the likelihood of damageduring assembly.

Once threaded onto needle shaft 40, the seal member 18 may be slidablypositioned on the nose 42 with the distal aspect received in the bore 92in proximal portion 76 of the seal member 18 in a slip fit, which mayrange from being relatively snug to providing just enough engagement tofrictionally retain the seal member 18 on the nose 42. The distal aspect95 of the nose 42 may be inserted into the bore 92 until the proximalend 77 of the seal member 18 abuts the annular shoulder 190 at theintersection of the nose aspects 42 a and 95. When this occurs, thedistal aspect 95 of the nose 42 may engage, or be slightly spaced from,the upper surface 79 of the membrane 72. In an alternative embodiment,the distal aspect 95 may be inserted into bore 92 until the distal end96 thereof abuts the upper surface 79 of the membrane 72. When thisoccurs, the proximal end 77 of the seal member 18 may be slightly spacedfrom the annular shoulder 190. It will be readily understood that theneedle cannula 40 may be retracted and the seal member 18 placed on thenose 42 prior to threading the needle cannula 40 to the seal member 18as described above.

After the seal member 18 is disposed on the nose 42 and the needlecannula 40 extends distally thereof, the catheter assembly 10 may beloaded onto the nose 42 such that the seal member 18 is positionedwithin the catheter hub 12. In this regard, as the catheter assembly 10and nose 42 are moved together, the sealing outlet bore 86 contacts thebarb 50 and sealing lip 87 flexes outwardly (e.g., due to cammingengagement of the sealing lip 87 and the frustoconical surface 57 of theflange 56) to allow the barb 50 to pass through the sealing outlet bore86 and into the actuator cavity 88. When the sealing outlet bore 86moves past the barb 50, the sealing lip 87 flexes or snaps back radiallyinwardly due to the resiliency of the seal member 18 and engages theouter surface 47 of the actuator 16 distal of the barb 50 to form asubstantially fluid tight seal therealong.

The catheter assembly 10 and nose 42 may be moved further together untilthe cap 44 abuts the proximal end face 110 of the catheter hub 12.During this further movement, the sealing lip 87 of the sealing outletbore 86 slides along the outer surface 47 of the actuator 16 andmaintains the substantially fluid tight seal therealong. When the cap 44and the catheter hub 12 engage, the seal member 18 is configured to beproperly seated on the actuator 16 within the catheter hub 12 in theready position. In this ready position, the barb 50 may engage thenarrowed portion 89 of the actuator cavity 88 to provide a level ofresistance to further distal movement of the seal member 18 relative tothe actuator 16. During assembly, this resistance may also provide apositive indication that the seal member 18 is fully seated on theactuator 16.

As noted above, in an alternative embodiment, the seal member of thecatheter assembly may be configured as a multi-use seal, as opposed to aone-time use seal, wherein a driving force is provided to axially shiftthe seal member back in the proximal direction to reclose the sealmember and re-establish hemostasis when the male luer taper is removedfrom the catheter hub. In this regard, FIG. 13, in which like referencenumerals refer to like features in FIGS. 1-12, illustrates an exemplarymulti-use seal member 200. The seal member 200 includes a proximalportion 202 that is substantially similar to the seal member 18 shown inFIGS. 5-7 and described in detail above. By way of example, proximalportion 202 may include the details of seal member 18 but be scaled downor shortened in a length direction (i.e., proximal-distal direction) sothat the mechanism that provides the return driving force also fitswithin the catheter hub. Accordingly, the details of proximal portion202 will not be further described. Unlike the previous embodiment,however, seal member 200 includes a biasing member 204 extendingdistally from proximal portion 202. In the illustrated embodiment, thebiasing member 204 may include a generally thin-walled,circumferentially continuous tubular extension member 206 defining anopen passageway 208 and integrally formed with proximal portion 202 sothat seal member 200 forms a unitary member. Similar to the previousembodiment, the seal member 200 may be generally flexible and be formedfrom suitable materials including, for example, silicone orpolyisoprene. Additionally, the seal member 200 may be formed throughvarious molding processes including, for example, injection moldingprocesses generally known in the art.

As one of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate, in use,seal member 200 operates similar to seal member 18 described above andtherefore, only the differences in operation will be discussed in anysignificant detail. In this regard, the primary difference is in theactuation of the seal member 200 by the male luer taper 30. Asillustrated in FIGS. 14 and 15, the seal member 200 may be configuredsuch that it is axially shiftable so as to slide axially along the mainshaft 46 of the actuator 16 to the opened position. That shifting isaccomplished by insertion of male luer taper 30 into and through theproximal end 20 of the catheter hub 12 such that the free or distal end120 thereof impacts surface proximal end 77 of the seal member 200 andpushes the seal member 200 distally with enough force to overcome thefriction forces holding the seal member 200 in place. Similar to theabove, the male luer taper 30 may be associated with a luer lock collaror nut 122 adapted to threadably engage catheter hub ears 112 so as toimpel the luer taper 30 against proximal end 77. That causes the luertaper 30 to push thereagainst over a travel distance which axiallyshifts the seal member 200 driving the membrane 72 over the actuatorbarb 50 and placing the seal member in the opened condition.

As the seal member 200 axially shifts within the catheter hub 12, theproximal free end 51 of the actuator 16 contacts the lower surface 80 ofthe membrane 72 and starts penetrating through the slit 82 causing theflaps 84 formed by the slit 82 to hinge or distend upwardly and slidealong the barb 50, such as along the frustoconical surface 57 thereof,so as to gradually open the slit 82. Continued distal insertion of theluer taper 30 causes the seal member 200 to shift axially until the luertaper 30 is fully extended into the interior cavity 24 with the sealmember 200 moved toward distal cavity 28 to thus define the openedposition of the seal member 200 as shown in FIG. 15. In this embodiment,the membrane 72 is sufficiently resilient such that the barb 50 maypenetrate the slit 82 without ripping or otherwise destroying themembrane 72. The slit 82 may then close back down around the actuatormain shaft 46 after the barb 50 passes therethrough.

Prior to or as the seal member 200 is axially shifted within thecatheter hub 12, a distal end 210 of the tubular extension member 206contacts the inner wall 25 of the catheter hub 12 adjacent the distalcavity 28 so that the tubular extension member 206 starts buckling orcompressing with further distal axial shifting of the seal member 200.When the seal member 200 is in the opened position, the tubularextension member 206 is in a compressed condition and is configured togenerate a restoring force that biases the seal member 200 back in theproximal direction toward the closed position. In this regard, tubularextension member 206 operates similar to a coil spring in thatcompression of the tubular extension member 206 generates a restoringforce in a direction opposite to the compression. However, such proximalaxial shifting of the seal member 200 back toward the closed position isprevented by the presence of the luer taper 30 in the catheter hub 12.Similar to the previous embodiment, in the opened position of the sealmember 200, an unobstructed fluid path is established between thecatheter tube 14 and the luer taper 30 via the actuator 16 such as foradministration of fluid to, or withdrawal of blood from, the patientwith the catheter assembly.

In this embodiment, the seal member 200 is configured as a multi-useseal and is therefore configured to move from the opened position backto the closed position. In this regard, when the male luer taper 30 isremoved from the catheter hub 12, the biasing force generated by thecompression of the tubular extension member 206 causes the seal member200 to axially shift in the proximal direction. To this end, the biasingforce imposed by the tubular extension member 206 is sufficient toovercome the frictional forces between the seal member 200 and theactuator 16 and the seal member 200 and the inner wall 25 of thecatheter hub 12. More particularly, as the seal member 200 movesproximally under the biasing force, the distal end 212 of barb 50contacts the upper surface 79 of the membrane 72 causing the flaps 84formed by slit 82 to hinge downwardly and thereby allow the barb 50 topass back through the slit 82.

After the barb 50 has been removed from the membrane 72, the slit 82closes due to the resiliency of the material that forms the membrane 72(i.e., the slit 82 is normally closed). The closing of the slit 82substantially prevents blood flow out of the actuator cavity 88 throughthe membrane 72. Advantageously, the slit 82 is sufficiently closed sothat essentially no blood seeps through the slit 82 and past themembrane 72. As noted above, even if there should be some seepagethrough the slit 82 of the membrane 72, the amount of blood would be deminimus and hemostasis would be sufficiently re-established.Accordingly, should blood flow into actuator cavity 88 of the sealmember 200, the cavity 88 is substantially fluidly isolated (e.g.,sealed) from below by the sealing lip 87/actuator surface 47 engagementand above by the closed slit 82 of the membrane 72 such thatsubstantially no blood can flow therebeyond. Of course the seal member200 may be axially shifted back to the opened position in the mannerdescribed above. Due to biasing member 204, the seal member 200 isconfigured to be repeatedly moved between its opened and closedpositions therefore providing the multi-use aspect of this design.

FIG. 16 illustrates a multi-use seal member 220 in accordance with analternative embodiment. Similar to seal member 200, seal member 220includes a proximal portion 222 that is substantially similar to theseal member 18 shown in FIGS. 5-7 and described in detail above.Similarly, proximal portion 222 may include the details of seal member18 but be scaled down or shortened in a length direction so that themechanism that provides the return driving force also fits within thecatheter hub. Accordingly, the details of proximal portion 222 will notbe further described. Additionally, seal member 220 includes a biasingmember 204 extending distally from proximal portion 222. In theillustrated embodiment, the biasing member 204 may include a pair ofgenerally opposed, thin-walled legs 224 integrally formed with proximalportion 222 so that seal member 220 forms a unitary member. In oneembodiment, for example, the legs 224 may be generally arcuate and takethe form of constant radius tubular segments. While the illustratedembodiment shows two such legs 224, it should be realized that sealmember 220 may include fewer or additional legs 224 that generate thedriving force that axially shifts the seal member 220 back in theproximal direction to reclose the seal member 220. As one of ordinaryskill in the art will readily understand the operation of a catheterassembly having seal member 220, its operation will not be described infurther detail. It should be noted, however, that the spacing or gap 226between the legs 224 cooperate with the grooves 104 to provide an airescape path during actuation of seal member 220.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 14, when the seal member 200 is in theclosed position, the biasing member 204 may not be subject tocompression such that there is effectively no biasing force imposed onseal member 200 in the proximal direction due to biasing member 204. Inan alternative embodiment, and as illustrated in FIG. 17 in which likereference numerals refer to like features in FIG. 14, a seal member 230may be configured such that the biasing member 204 is partiallycompressed, therefore providing a biasing force in the proximaldirection, when the seal member 230 is in the closed position. Providingthis partial compression effectively increases the force on the sealmember 230 during the period when the barb 50 is passing back throughthe membrane 72 as the seal member 230 is moving from the openedposition toward the closed position.

In one embodiment, the partial compression of biasing member 204 may beachieved by essentially increasing the length of the biasing member 204compared to that shown in FIG. 14. For example, in one embodiment, sealmember 230 may be substantially identical to seal member 200, but forthe tubular extension member 206 having an increased length.Alternatively, a seal member (not shown) may be substantially identicalto seal member 220, but for the legs 224 having an increased length. Tomaintain the biasing member 204 in a partially compressed state when inthe closed position, proximal movement of the seal member 230 isresisted by engagement between the barb 50 of actuator 16 and theactuator cavity 88. More particularly, the barb 50 is larger than thesealing outlet bore 86 of seal member 230 such that proximal movement ofseal member 230 is arrested by the barb 50 bearing against a distal wall232 of the actuator cavity 88. Though the biasing member 204 ispartially compressed, those of ordinary skill in the art will understandthat the operation of a catheter assembly having seal member 230 issimilar to that described above and therefore a more detaileddescription of its operation will not be provided.

In the previous embodiments, the proximal free end 51 of actuator 16includes a barb 50 that facilitates seating of the seal member on theactuator 16 and also prevents the seal member from being pulledproximally out of the catheter hub 12, such as for example, duringwithdrawal of the needle cannula 40 or the withdrawal of the nose 42from the catheter hub 12. However, the barb 50 represents a resistanceto free movement of the seal member from the opened position back to theclosed position in the multi-use embodiments. In an alternativeembodiment, the barb 50 may be omitted from the proximal free end 51 ofthe actuator so as to facilitate less restrictive movement of the sealmember between the opened and closed positions. Accordingly, the sealmember and the catheter hub cooperate in an alternative manner to retainthe seal member therein during use.

In this regard and as illustrated in FIGS. 18 and 19, wherein likereference numerals refer to like features in the previous embodiments, amulti-use seal member 240 in accordance with an alternative embodimentincludes a proximal portion 242 that is substantially similar to theseal member 18 shown in FIGS. 5-7 and described in detail above.Accordingly, the details of proximal portion 242 will not be furtherdescribed. Additionally, seal member 240 includes a biasing member 204extending distally from proximal portion 242 and integrally formedtherewith so that seal member 240 forms a unitary member. In theillustrated embodiment, the biasing member 204 may include a proximaltubular extension portion 244 and a distal split tubular portion 246having legs 248 defined by a pair of opposed slots 252 extendingproximally from the distal end 210 of the biasing member 204. While inthe illustrated embodiment, the slots 252 extend for only part of thelength of the biasing member 204, in an alternative embodiment, theslots 252 may extend the full length of the biasing member 204 such thatthe biasing member 204 is similar to the legs 224 of seal member 220. Ina further alternative embodiment, the slots 252 may be omitted such thatthe biasing member is similar to the tubular extension member 206 ofseal member 200.

In these embodiments, the distal end 210 of the biasing member 204includes a radially outwardly directed flange 254 on each of the legs248 that in turn defines a proximally facing ledge or shoulder 256. Asillustrated in FIG. 19, the flange 254 is configured to cooperate withan annular groove 258 formed in the inner wall 25 of the catheter hub12. When the seal member 240 is properly positioned within the catheterhub 12, the flange 254 on each of the legs 248 is configured to bedisposed within the annular groove or engage the annular groove 258 andthereby retain the seal member 240 within the catheter hub 12. Forexample, in one embodiment, the legs 248 may be biased radially outward(e.g., like a duckbill) so as to engage with the annular groove 258. Theretention forces generated between the flanges 254 and the annulargroove 258 are configured to be greater than the proximally directedforces on the seal member 240 during, for example, withdrawal of theneedle cannula 40 from the catheter assembly 10 or the withdrawal of thenose 42 from the catheter hub 12. Accordingly, the seal member 240remains in place within the catheter hub 12 during use.

Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the biasingmember 204 as illustrated in FIGS. 18 and 19 will compress uponinsertion of the male luer taper 30 in the catheter hub 12 similar toseal member 200 shown in FIG. 15. Those of ordinary skill in the artwill further appreciate that the compression of biasing member 204generates a return biasing force such that when the male luer taper 30is removed from the catheter hub 12, the seal member 240 axially shiftsfrom the opened position back toward the closed position to re-establishhemostasis. Without the barb 50 on actuator 16, it is expected that theforce required to return the seal member 240 to the closed position isreduced. While seal member 240 is configured to be used when the barb 50on actuator 16 is omitted, it should be recognized that the barb 50 maybe used in combination with the flanges 254 and annular groove 258. Itshould be further recognized that in such an alternative embodiment, thebiasing member 204 may be partially compressed similar to that shown inFIG. 17.

While the present invention has been illustrated by the description ofembodiments thereof, and while the embodiments have been described inconsiderable detail, it is not intended to restrict or in any way limitthe scope of the appended claims to such detail. Additional advantagesand modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art. Forexample, in some applications, it may be desirable to enhance thesecurement of the seal member 18 within the catheter hub 12 such as witha retention mechanism which may be in the form of a radially inwardannular rib (not shown) associated with the catheter hub inner wall 25which mates with a corresponding annular groove (also not shown) in theseal member 18 in the closed position. However, when the male luer taper30 is inserted into the catheter hub 12, as described above, thisengagement is also overcome to allow the seal member 18 to be axiallyshifted to the opened position. Further, alternative assembly processesmay be employed, one example of which utilizes a tool (not shown) havinga shape similar to the nose 42 to insert the seal member 18 within thecatheter hub 12. Once the tool positions the seal member 18 within thecatheter hub 12, it may be removed therefrom. By way of further example,while slit 82 may be pre-cut into the membrane 72, the membrane 72 mightnot be pre-slit, but instead, may be pierced by the sharp tip 43 of theneedle cannula 40 during assembly. When the needle cannula 40 iswithdrawn from the membrane 72, the hole (not shown) caused by thatpiercing is capable of reclosing due to the resiliency of the membrane72 so as to provide hemostasis. Even if the hole does not completelyclose, however, the hole would provide a significant restriction toblood flow through the membrane such that, for example, only a deminimus amount of blood would pass through the membrane 72 under normaluse. It will be understood that the amount of force needed to actuatethe seal member 18 may be slightly higher, and could also lead topermanent deformation or damage of the membrane 72 as the seal member 18is moved to the opened position. Where the seal member is a one-time useseal as advantageously provided herein, such deformation or damage isnot considered problematic. Furthermore, while the seal member 18 isdescribed as a unitary member in the exemplary embodiment shown herein,in an alternative embodiment, the seal member may have a multi-piececonstruction. By way of example, the seal member may include a rigidretainer portion coupled to a resilient seal portion. The rigidretaining portion may be similar to the proximal portion 76 of the sealmember 18 described above in that it may be generally cylindrical andinclude a nose receiving bore like bore 92 extending therethrough. Theresilient seal portion may be similar to the membrane 72 and the distalportion 74 of the seal member 18 as described above. The resilient sealportion may be coupled to a distal end of the retainer portion andcollectively have a shape similar to the seal member 18 above. The rigidretaining portion is configured to accommodate the stresses and forcesimposed by the impact from the male luer taper 30, while the resilientseal portion is configured to provide the hemostasis function andaccommodate passage of the barb 50 of the actuator 16 through themembrane 72 during actuation. The invention in its broader aspects is,therefore, not limited to the specific details, representative apparatusand method, and illustrative examples shown and described. Accordingly,departures may be made from such details without departing from thespirit or scope of the general inventive concept.

Having described the invention, what is claimed is:
 1. A catheterassembly comprising: a catheter hub having an open proximal end and adistal end for receiving a proximal end of a catheter tube, and a distalcavity adjacent the distal end, an inner surface extending between theopen proximal end and the distal end defining an interior cavity of thecatheter hub; an openable seal member slidably disposed in the interiorcavity of the catheter hub distal from the open proximal end, the sealmember having a region in circumferential engagement with a portion ofthe catheter hub inner surface; an end surface in the interior cavityspaced at a distance from the open proximal end and proximal to theregion of the seal adapted to receive an impact that pushes the sealmember distally; and a compressible extension member in the interiorcavity distal of the seal member, the compressible extension memberconfigured to axially bias the seal member.
 2. The catheter assembly ofclaim 1, wherein the seal member comprises a slit membrane configured toreversibly open upon actuation, and wherein the compressible extensionmember is at least partially compressed when the membrane is open. 3.The catheter assembly of claim 2, further comprising a stationaryactuator extending proximally in the interior cavity of the catheter hubfrom the catheter hub distal end to an open free end distal from thecatheter hub proximal end.
 4. The catheter assembly of claim 3, whereinthe seal member is axially movable along the actuator in a distaldirection to engage the open free end of the actuator and open the sealmember in response to a connector being inserted into the interiorcavity of the catheter hub to impact the end surface and move itdistally.
 5. The catheter assembly of claim 4, wherein the membrane slitdefines flaps adapted to distend as the open free end of the actuatoractuates the membrane.
 6. The catheter assembly of claim 3, furthercomprising a catheter tube extending distally from the catheter hubdistal end, wherein the catheter tube is secured in the catheter hubdistal end by a distal end of the actuator.
 7. The catheter assembly ofclaim 6, further comprising a needle cannula having a sharp distal tip,the needle cannula extending through the seal member and catheter tubewith the sharp distal tip being exposed distally of the catheter tube.8. The catheter assembly of claim 6, wherein the distal end of theactuator comprises a distal eyelet portion dimensionally configured tofriction fit within the catheter hub distal end, securing the cathetertube.
 9. The catheter assembly of claim 1, wherein the seal memberfurther comprises a proximal portion extending proximally from amembrane and wherein the end surface is at a proximal end of theproximal portion configured to engage and receive the impact of aconnector inserted into the interior cavity of the catheter hub at thecatheter hub proximal end.
 10. The catheter assembly of claim 1, furthercomprising a shaft having an open passageway and a proximal free openend, the seal member opened to enable flow of fluid to pass through thepassageway when the end surface is impacted and the seal member ispushed distally against the proximal free open end of the shaft toexpose the open passageway.
 11. A catheter assembly comprising: acatheter hub having an open proximal end, a distal end and a distalcavity adjacent the distal end, an inner surface extending between theproximal end and the distal end defining a catheter hub interior cavity;a catheter tube fixedly connected to and extending distally from thecatheter hub distal end; a shaft having an open passageway extendingproximally inside the catheter hub interior cavity from the catheter hubdistal end to a proximal free open end, the proximal free open end ofthe shaft distal from the catheter hub open proximal end; an openableseal member axially movable in the catheter hub interior cavity andadapted to be movable along the shaft when an end surface proximal ofthe seal member is impacted, the seal member having a region incircumferential engagement with a portion of the catheter hub innersurface, the end surface being proximal to the region and distal fromthe open proximal end of the catheter hub; and a biasing member distalof the seal member having a distal end proximal to the distal end of thecatheter hub; wherein the seal member is axially movable in a distaldirection to contact with and open by the proximal free open end of theshaft, the biasing member configured to axially move the seal member ina proximal direction to remove the contact between the seal member andthe proximal free open end of the shaft to close the seal member. 12.The catheter assembly of claim 11, wherein the seal member comprises amembrane having a slit defining flaps adapted to distend to open themembrane upon contact between the free open end of the shaft and themembrane.
 13. The catheter assembly of claim 11, wherein the cathetertube is secured in the catheter hub distal end by a distal end of theshaft, the distal end of the shaft having a distal eyelet portiondimensionally configured to friction fit within the catheter hub distalend to secure the catheter tube to the catheter hub distal end.
 14. Thecatheter assembly of claim 11, wherein the seal member comprises aproximal portion extending proximally from the seal member, the proximalportion sized to present the end surface to a connector, such thatinsertion of the connector into the catheter hub interior cavity via thecatheter hub open proximal end impacts the end surface causing the sealmember to move distally into contact with the proximal free open end ofthe shaft to expose the open passageway.
 15. The catheter assembly ofclaim 11, wherein the end surface proximal from the seal member isadapted to be pushed distally to open the seal member against theproximal free open end of the shaft to enable flow of fluid to passthrough the passageway.
 16. A method of opening fluidic communicationbetween a catheter tube and a fluidic connector, the method comprising:inserting the fluidic connector in a distal direction into an openproximal end of an interior cavity of a catheter hub to impact an endsurface inside the interior cavity spaced at a distance distal of theopen proximal end and proximal of an openable seal member so as to shiftthe seal member into contact with a proximal free open end of a shafthaving an open passageway so that the seal member is moved to an openposition to expose the passageway to the open proximal end of thecatheter hub; wherein the catheter hub further comprises a distal endproximal of a distal cavity and an inner surface extending between theopen proximal end and the distal end to define the catheter hub interiorcavity; wherein the seal member has a region in circumferentialengagement with a portion of the catheter hub inner surface; wherein thecatheter tube is fixedly connected to the catheter hub distal end influidic communication with the open passageway of the shaft; and whereinopening the seal member establishes fluidic communication between thecatheter tube and the fluidic connector through the shaft and thecatheter hub interior cavity.
 17. The method of claim 16, wherein theshaft extends proximally inside the catheter hub interior cavity fromthe catheter hub distal end to the proximal free open end situatedwithin the catheter hub interior cavity distal from the catheter hubopen proximal end, and wherein contact between the proximal free openend of the shaft and the seal member operates to open the seal member.18. The method of claim 16, wherein the seal member comprises a membranehaving a proximally extending portion sized to present the end surfaceto the fluidic connector, such that insertion of the fluidic connectorin a distal direction into the catheter hub interior cavity via thecatheter hub open proximal end impacts the end surface causing themembrane to move distally and into contact with the shaft to open themembrane.
 19. The method of claim 18, wherein the membrane comprises aslit defining flaps adapted to distend as the proximal free open end ofthe shaft contacts the membrane.
 20. The method of claim 16, furthercomprising a step of closing fluidic communication between the cathetertube and the fluidic connector by removing the fluidic connector in aproximal direction from the open proximal end of the catheter hub so asto cause the seal member to shift in a proximal direction and out ofcontact with the shaft to a closed position, the seal member beingaxially biased by a biasing member configured between the seal memberand the catheter hub distal end.